Windows XP, Microsoft OEM System builder, RAID Question

[Charlie W]

I am building my first computer. Abit SG-80 motherboard, Pentium 4 541, 3.20 GHz., 800MHZ FBS CPU, 1 GB Ultra RAM, Seagate Barracuda SATA 160 GB hard drive, Ultra Grid case with two 120MM intake & exhaust fans, Ultra V series 500 watt PSU. I am having to want until next month to get the operating system. I been thinking of XP Pro.

The system POSTED fine no problems.

I got the CPU in a retail box. Microsoft said I need to intall an INF file before any other drivers. Some of the downloads they had for this CPU had keys beside them, like I have to log in, to be able to download. My question is: Do I need to register with Microsoft as an OEM System builder ?

This is my first build ever. I have added memory & put in modems before. I sure do not consider myself a system builder.

Also since I have to buy some kind of hardware to be able to buy Windows, I have been thinking of getting another Seagate SATA 160 GB hard drive and setup a RAID. With this motherboard with SIS 964 SATA controller, it will only support two SATA drives in RAID. I can use RAID 0, RAID1 or JBOD. I would later like to ad a PATA drive, for more storage.

What would be the best way to go?

The Seagate hard drive came with Seatools setup CD. The person I talked with at Seagate about setting up the drive, told me to install Windows & let Windows setup the drive. Would that be the way to go , if I do decide to ad another hard drive?

Thanks for feedback.

[Ob1]

just purchase your copy of xp pro from newegg. you dont need to get any extra hardware
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16832116059v

you dont need to register as microsoft system builder.

just boot to the xp cd, and if anything you might need SATA drivers for windows to detect your hard drive when installing xp.

keep it simple and just use one hard drive, with one more for storage and backup your data regulary in case of hard drive failure. RAID can get complicated if you dont know what your doing.


If you want to try Windows Vista RC1 newegg is giving a free copy away with a purchase of a windows XP operating system. This copy of Vista only lasts to june 07 i believe and then you will have to purchase a copy of Vista in order to keep using it
http://promotions.newegg.com/microso...Promotion.html

[Charlie W]

I think your right, to keep it simple for my first build. I am going to use the boards onboard sound & graphics to see how it works. Will probably add a graphics card later. Thanks for the feedback & links.

[Ob1]

are you planning on doing any gaming? what are you planning on using this pc for?

if you are going to want to pick up a good video card, and possibly sound card especially if you want surround sound on your computer.

if your just web browsing, emailing, and creating documents then integrated video will work just fine.

[Charlie W]

I may start some gaming. I had to retire for health reasons & have alot of time on my hands. Thought I'd try building this computer to keep my mind busy. I have a ton of VHS tapes I'd like to convert to DVD.

I have a LiteOn Allwrite DVD drive on this computer. Also have a 3.5 floppy on the system ,the ram is 1 GB DDR 400 , PC3200. This motherboard will hold 2 GB of ram and I plan to max it out as I can afford. I forgot to mention that in the post.

I know I'll need a good video card to convert the tapes to DVD. I have not really done very much research on a video card. I am on fixed income right now and have been getting a part or two as I could afford. I am having to wait until next month to buy the operating system.

I may just buy a DVD player-recorder to convert the tapes,would be kind of nice to do it on the computer too.

Thanks again for the feedback.

[Ob1]

you can use linux which is free. check out these two sticky's that can give you some insight on which one would suit your needs

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=140715

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=20687

[glc]

I know I'll need a good video card to convert the tapes to DVD.

Not necessarily. Onboard video will work fine for that.

[Charlie W]

Thanks for all the feedback and links. It has been very helpful.